Professional Reviews
Robert Parker
RP
98
"The flagship wines begin with the purple/black-colored 2005 Nicolas Catena Zapata, a blend of 78% Cabernet Sauvignon and 22% Malbec. The fruit was sourced from four of the estate’s finest high-elevation vineyards, and aged for 24 months in 100% new French oak. The brooding bouquet delivers pain grille, mineral, violet, scorched earth, pepper, espresso, black cherry, and black raspberry aromas leading to a dense, opulent wine with gobs of savory fruit, ripe tannins, terrific concentration, and a 60-second finish. Allow it 6-8 years in the cellar to reveal its full potential and enjoy it from 2015 to 2030." -Robert Parker
Decanter
D
95
"2005 was a cool vintage with generally low yields. This is made up of 78% Cabernet from Agrelo and Uco, and 22% Malbec from Gualtallary, aged for 24 months in French oak barriques. It has a deep, brooding, Cabernet-dominant nose with cassis, saddle leather, fig and cedar, and a very pretty, light floral touch. The palate has a dense, concentrated core with firm, rounded tannins. It's only just beginning to open up, revealing some leafy secondary characteristics. It will age majestically."
Wine Spectator
WS
94
"Dark, but very alluring, with inviting incense, warm espresso and molten chocolate cake notes up front, followed by hoisin sauce, graphite, mulled black currant and blackberry fruit flavors. The long finish courses with fruit and loads of buried grip."
Wine Enthusiast
WE
94
"Catena's signature wine is Cabernet Sauvignon-based, and it’s a purple haze of dense, exotic aromas that lean toward lavender, flower petals and black fruit. It's saturated and fruity to the point of no return, with impeccable structure and mouthfeel. An avalanche of flavor and style."
